Ballot Question Could Prevent Retail Marijuana Shops in Needham

NEEDHAM, MA — Question 4 may not be the last time residents are asked for their opinion on recreational marijuana. Voters in Needham could be asked to vote on whether they want commercial shops that sell the drug in town.

The idea for the vote came at a recent selectmen meeting during a discussion on the passage of Question 4. While the majority of the state voted to legalize marijuana for adults over 21, Needham voted against the question 9,877-8,067.

“It took this town decades to decide to allow the sale of alcohol. I think the town is entitled to have the same process in respects to whether or not we want the sale or marijuana,” Selectman Maurice Handel said.

Under the law, communities can opt-out of the state's marijuana law through a town-wide vote. While Needham has given a medical dispensary the go-ahead to open, the board was less enthused about a possible retail store.

“I have no interest in a commercial facility in Needham. I am intrigued by what regulations you could put in to limit that from happening as well as this board's ability,” Selectmen Chairman Matthew Borrelli said. “This is a different ball game.”

Stephen Epstein of the Needham Board of Health said his board had concerns mainly about youth access and
environmental impact, especially the prospect of mold resulting from home-grown marijuana.

“Medical is brown bag, no displays, nothing to entice children. We don't think that's going to be true with commercial and that's been the case in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon,” Epstein said.

The board decided to hold off on any action, but likely got more time to act thanks to a recent bill at the state level that delays retail marijuana shops by 6 months.

Image: File photo